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There is something rejuvenating by looking out the window and seeing the first robin of the year. For those taking a closer look, the robins are telling an important environmental story. A recent study out of Eastern Michigan University has found that robins can accurately predict areas with contaminated soil. How? WEMU's David Fair talked with one of the lead researchers, Dorothy Zahor, about her findings and its implications.

Film festival season has arrived, and film lovers are now converging on Park City, Utah for this year's Sundance Film Festival. That includes Cinema Chat co-host and Marquee Arts cinema program director, Nick Alderink. Nick checked in from Park City, Utah to preview the festival and discuss top films being screened at Ann Arbor theaters in the coming days!

At the end of 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) announced that the state of Michigan had the highest pre-kindergarten enrollment numbers over the past decade and an increase of over 4,000 students from 2023 figures. The Ypsilanti Community Schools saw a 15% increase in pre-kindergarten enrollment. Rylee Barnsdale checked in with Washtenaw Intermediate School District executive director of early childhood, Edward Manuszak, to discuss the increase and what it weans to the community on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

Land preservation is important to the agricultural community in Washtenaw County. It’s also a part of the strategy to get Ann Arbor and the county to its carbon neutrality goals. One man has spent about 30 years on local land preservation. Barry Lonik has been a part of 100 projects preserving more than 10,000 acres of land that might otherwise have been developed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Barry about his three-decade journey and about the impact he still wants to make.

It may be cold outside, but using alternative transportation to get around town is still a vital component of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero Carbon Neutrality plan. That’s the idea behind the “Conquer the Cold” challenge. The challenge is organized by the 'getDowntown' program runs through February 20th. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 'getDowntown' director, Lilliane Webb, to learn more about goals and impact.

Creating inclusive spaces for those with sensory needs is at the heart of "Feed the Need Sensory Zone." It’s a Washtenaw County nonprofit fostering a more inclusive community. Organization founder, Tiana Haygood, joined Rylee Barnsdale for this week's “On the Ground Ypsi.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put her proposed budget before the state Legislature, and it includes a significant investment in environmental initiatives. The state Legislature is now divided, and it's unclear what the final version of the budget will look like. Additionally, there is uncertainty from the federal level as what kind of money will be allocated to support protections and clean-ups. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 15th District State Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor about how things are playing out in Lansing.

In the last couple of years, the nation’s shelters and rescues have seen a decline in the number of dog adoptions. Our Washtenaw County community is no different. 2024 was a 10-year low in dog adoptions at the Humane Society of Huron Valley. President Tanya Hilgendorf joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the problems with dog adoptions and what is being done locally.

We're inching ever closer to Oscar night, and many of the nominated films can be still be seen at your favorite downtown theaters! WEMU's David Fair talks about these films and all of the new movies and films and events coming your way with Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink!

Mental health is not just an individual issue to deal with. It is a family and community issue. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a Washtenaw County chapter. WEMU's David Fair talked with executive director, Judy Gardner, about its innovative efforts to support families in the quest for greater mental health throughout the community.